The Jets made some moves with their backup quarterbacks yesterday in an effort to clear some cap space before their pursuit of prized free agent Nnamdi Asomugha fizzled.

The Jets first released veteran backup Mark Brunell, but a source said Brunell will re-sign with the team at a lower salary figure. The Jets then waived Kevin O’Connell, according to sources.

If Brunell does return, he will be the team’s No. 2 quarterback behind Mark Sanchez with draft pick Greg McElroy most likely serving as the third quarterback. Brunell joined the Jets last season, and clicked with Sanchez. He played in just two games, but he is seen as a mentor for the Jets third-year starter.

O’Connell came to the Jets in 2009 from the Lions after the Patriots had released him a few weeks earlier. He never gained traction with the team and was released last season before re-signing a short time later. He suffered a torn labrum last year that he is trying to come back from.

The Jets also waived quarterback Erik Ainge, who spent last season on the reserved/did not report list after entering drug rehab.

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The Jets signed three of their draft picks yesterday, striking deals with running back Bilal Powell, a fourth-round pick and both of their seventh-round picks — McElroy and wide receiver Scotty McKnight. That leaves three draft picks unsigned, including first-rounder Muhammad Wilkerson.

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After losing punter Steve Weatherford to the Giants, the Jets signed Chris Bryan, an Australian who punted in four games for the Buccaneers last season. . . . The Jets lost cornerback Drew Coleman, who signed a three-year deal with the Jaguars with a max value of $7.4 million, per a source. . . . Multiple reports had the Jets making an offer to safety Eric Smith to return.